CADENZA PRE AMPLIFIER OWNER S MANUAL

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- CADENZA PRE AMPLIFIER OWNER S MANUAL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Viola Audio Laboratories 2005 The information contained in the manual is subject to change without notice. The most current version of this manual will be posted on our web site at www.violalabs.com. P/N: 91-cadenza manual Revision: 01 Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 1 of 16 7th September 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS Safety Instructions 3 Introduction 4 Unpacking 4 Voltage Setting 4 Location 5 XLR Connector Pin Assignment 5 Surround Sound Processor Loop 6 Cadenza Front Panel Description 7 Cadenza Rear Panel Description 8 Cadenza Power Supply Rear Panel 9 Connecting the Cadenza to your System 9 o Connecting the Inputs 10 o Connecting the Outputs 10 Connecting the Power Supply 10 AC Power Cable Connection 10 Switching on for the First Time 11 Breaking In 11 Care and Cleaning 12 Mains Fuse 12 Troubleshooting 13 Warranty 14 Service 14 Contacting VIOLA 15 Specifications 16 Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 2 of 16 7th September 2005

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Please read all of the following instructions carefully before operating your Cadenza. 1. This product contains no user serviceable parts. Never attempt to repair the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to a VIOLA approved technician. 2. This product must be connected to the mains supply with a threeconductor AC mains power cord that includes a ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be used. NEVER defeat the ground connection. 3. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component. 4. Never operate this unit with any covers removed. Dangerous voltages may exist within the unit, even when it is disconnected from the mains supply. 5. NEVER use flammable chemicals for cleaning this product. 6. NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid, or operate the unit in a wet environment. 7. NEVER block airflow through the ventilation slots on either the top or the bottom of the units. 8. NEVER bypass any fuses. 10. NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified. Suitable replacements are available from your local VIOLA dealer, national distributor or directly from VIOLA. 11. NEVER expose this product to temperatures outside the range 0 C to 55 C, non-condensing. 12. ALWAYS disconnect the unit from the mains supply during lightning storms, or if the unit will not be used for a prolonged period. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 3 of 16 7th September 2005

INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing the VIOLA Cadenza Preamplifier. Great care has gone into the design and manufacture of the Cadenza and if properly used, it will give a lifetime of musical enjoyment. We strongly recommend that you read these instructions before you attempt to use the unit, so that you can be sure it is set up to give optimum performance. UNPACKING Please keep all of the packing materials in case you ever need to ship the unit. Should you need to return the unit to the factory, you must use the original shipping carton. The use of any other packing may result in the product sustaining damage in transit. Such damage is not covered by the warranty. Replacement shipping cartons may be obtained via your VIOLA dealer, national distributor or directly from the factory. After unpacking the unit, please confirm that the following items are present: 1 VIOLA Cadenza preamplifier 1 VIOLA Cadenza preamplifier power supply 1 DC supply cable 1 three-conductor mains cord 1 user manual If any of the above items are missing, or if the units show any signs of damage, please contact your VIOLA dealer immediately. VOLTAGE SETTING Before going any further please, confirm that the unit is set to operate on the mains voltage you plan to use. The setting is indicated on the fuse cover on the mains input receptacle, which is located on the power supply rear panel. In the example shown in figure 1 below, the unit has been set to operate from 120V. 1 0 USE ONLY WITH 250V FUSES 100 120 V 230 V 240 V Figure 1. Cadenza power supply mains inlet receptacle. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 4 of 16 7th September 2005

If the setting on your unit is not correct, contact your VIOLA dealer. Only a VIOLA approved technician should change the voltage setting. Do not attempt to do this yourself. Should you set the unit to the wrong voltage, you risk personal injury and you may also cause serious damage to the unit which will void the warranty. LOCATION The pre-amplifier should be placed on a rigid stand or shelf. Do not place it on top of a power amplifier or any other device that handles a large amount of power or may generate a significant amount of heat. Whilst the power supply may be located on the same shelf adjacent to the pre-amplifier, it is better if it is located on a separate shelf. Always allow a clearance of at least 3.5 (5cm) above the both units. You must also allow a clearance of at least 6 (15 cm) behind the units, to enable the cables to be routed without being subject undue strain. XLR CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENT CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENT The pin assignments on the Cadenza s XLR connectors conform to the AES 14 standard, which is now commonly used throughout the audio industry. These assignments are shown below: Pin 1: Pin 2: Pin 3: Connector shell: Signal ground Signal + (non-inverting) Signal - (inverting) Chassis ground Some equipment may have the polarity of the signals on pins 2 and 3 of the XLR connectors swapped over. Please refer to the user manuals of the other equipment in your signal chain to confirm whether this is the case. If this is the case, it will not cause any damage, but it may reduce the quality of the stereo image, as well as the perceived attack of the bass. This situation is easily remedied by swapping the connections of pins 2 and 3 at either end of one of one set of balanced cables in the signal chain. Alternatively you can swap over the polarity of the speaker leads on both channels. Your dealer should be able to advise you on the best course of action. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 5 of 16 7th September 2005

SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR LOOP Caution! BEFORE attempting to change the Cadenza s SSP settings, switch the unit off and disconnect the power supply from the mains. The front left and right channels of a surround sound signal may be routed through the Cadenza by enabling the SSP function. This simply involves disabling the volume control so that the surround sound processor controls the signal level. This ensures that all channels remain in balance when the overall level is raised or lowered at the processor. This feature is available on inputs 2 and 7. Either input may be switched from normal operation to function as part of an SSP loop by setting the switch SW1 on the motherboard. The location of this switch shown in figure 1 below. This shows an outline top view of the inside of the unit, with the front panel facing forwards. Figure 1. SSP Loop Switch To gain access to the SSP loop switch you will need to remove the Cadenza s top cover. This is secured with 20 socket head screws. You will require a 1/16 th inch hex driver. Please ensure that you use the right size tool, otherwise you risk damaging the screws. To set input 2 to function as a SSP loop, move slider 1 on the SSP Enable Switch to the ON position. To set input 7 to function as a SSP loop move slider 2 on the SSP Enable Switch to the ON position. Caution! REPLACE the top cover before attempting to use the unit. ENSURE that the SSP volume control is set to minimum as the Cadenza volume control is now bypassed. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 6 of 16 7th September 2005

CADENZA FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION INPUT 3 4 5 2 6 1 7 LEFT db GAIN RIGHT db GAIN OUTPUT LEVEL 10 11 10 11-20 12 V IOLA 12 9 13 9 13-30 -10 8 7 6 16 14 15 CADENZA PREAMPLIFIER 8 7 6 16 14 15-40 +10 0 A B C D E Figure 2. Cadenza front panel A. Input Selector Switch. The Cadenza has 7 inputs. These are described in the table below: Input Description Connector 1 Reserved for future use - 2 to 5 Unbalanced RCA 6 Balanced Fischer 7 Balanced XLR B. Left Channel Gain Control. This allows the gain of the left channel to be varied between 6dB and 16 db in 1 db steps. C. Power Indicator LED. This glows green when the unit is switched on. D. Right Channel Gain Control. This allows the gain of the right channel to be varied between 6dB and 16 db in 1 db steps. The gain controls allow the unit to be used with input sources that have a wide range of output levels. They may also be used together to provide a balance adjustment. E. Output Level Control. This is a precision stepped attenuator which allows the output level of the unit to be varied over a 59dB range in 1 db steps. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 7 of 16 7th September 2005

CADENZA REAR PANEL VIOLA AUDIO LABORATORIES 315 PECK STREET NEW HAVEN, CT 06513 WWW.VIOLALABS.COM TAPE OUTPUTS INPUT 7 INPUT 6 INPUT 5 INPUT 4 INPUT 3 INPUT 2 L DC POWER R F G H I J K L M N O P Q R Figure 3. Cadenza rear panel The Cadenza s input and output connectors are arranged in 2 rows on the rear panel. The lower row is for the right channel and the upper row is for the left channel. F. DC Power Input Connector. G. RCA Unbalanced Tape Output. This output provides a buffered fixed level version of the currently selected input and may be used to drive a cassette, CD or other recording device. H. RCA Unbalanced Output. Use this output if your power amplifier only has unbalanced inputs. I. Fischer Balanced Output. Use this output if you wish to use balanced cables fitted with Fischer connectors. J & K. XLR Balanced Output. Both sets of outputs provide identical signals. Use either set if your power amplifier has balanced inputs and you wish to use cables fitted with XLR connectors. The provision of 2 sets of outputs makes the Cadenza easy to use in biamped systems. L. XLR Balanced Input. Use this input to connect balanced sources using cables fitted with XLR type connectors. M. Fischer Balanced Input. Use this input to connect balanced sources using cables fitted with Fischer type connectors. N to Q. RCA Unbalanced Inputs. Use these inputs to connect unbalanced sources using cables fitted with RCA type connectors. R. Optional Input. This is where any future optional input cards such as a phono stage will be fitted. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 8 of 16 7th September 2005

POWER SUPPLY REAR PANEL T U S WARNING HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES INSIDE DISCONNECT AC MAINS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY WIRING OR REMOVAL OF ANY CHASSIS MEMBERS. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. DC POWER SERIAL NUMBER VIOLA AUDIO LABORATORIES 315 PECK ST NEW HAVEN CT 06513 WWW.VIOLALABS.COM 1 0 Figure 4. Cadenza power supply rear panel S. DC Power Output Connector. T. Mains On/Off Switch. U. AC Cord Input Receptacle. CONNECTING THE CADENZA TO YOUR SYSTEM Caution! NEVER short-circuit the Cadenza s output terminals. NEVER short-circuit the Cadenza power supply outputs. NEVER use any power supply other than the dedicated Cadenza power supply NEVER use the Cadenza power supply to power anything other than the Cadenza. ALWAYS switch the Cadenza off before connecting or any changing cables. Confirm that the preamplifier and power supply are located in accordance with the instructions in the LOCATION section of this manual. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 9 of 16 7th September 2005

CONNECTING THE INPUTS Unbalanced Signal Sources: Use connectors 2 to 5 on the unit s rear panel. Balanced Signal Sources: If you wish to use cables fitted with Fischer connectors, use input 6 on the unit s rear panel. If you wish to use cables fitted with XLR connectors, use input 7 on the unit s rear panel. CONNECTING THE OUTPUTS Balanced Outputs: If you wish to connect the Cadenza to your power amplifier using cables fitted with XLR connectors, use either set of XLR outputs shown as J & K on figure 3. Use the connectors in vertical pairs. If you use them in horizontal pairs, you will connect both power amplifiers to the same channel and have a mono system. If you wish to connect the Cadenza to your power amplifier using cables fitted with Fischer connectors, use the outputs marked I on figure 3. Unbalanced Outputs: If you wish to connect the Cadenza to your power amplifier using cables fitted with RCA connectors, use the outputs marked H on figure 3. CONNECTING THE POWER SUPPLY Connect the DC power cord between the DC power connector on the rear of the power supply and the DC power connector on the rear of the preamplifier. Take care to ensure that both connectors are properly seated and that the locking screws on each connector are fully tightened. Note, these need be no more than finger tight. AC POWER CABLE CONNECTION If the wall outlet you plan to use for the Cadenza has an on/off switch, check that it is switched off. Insert the supplied AC mains cord into the receptacle on the rear of the Cadenza power supply and ensure that it is pushed securely home. Insert the other end of the mains cable securely into the mains outlet. Take care to arrange the cable so that it is not bent sharply and that its weight will not pull it out of either the mains outlet, or the receptacle on the rear of the Cadenza power supply. Do not switch the unit on yet. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 10 of 16 7th September 2005

SWITCHING ON FOR THE FIRST TIME Check that all the signal cables in the system are correctly connected. Select the appropriate input on the Cadenza and set the output level control to minimum. Set both gain controls to 6dB. Switch on your signal source, which we will assume is a CD player. Allow the system to stabilize for 2 minutes, and then put a CD into the player and press play. If the wall outlet you are using for the Cadenza is switchable, switch it on now. Press the power switch on the Cadenza power supply rear panel so that the section with the number 1 is pushed down. When the unit starts, the LEDs on the preamplifier and power supply front panels will glow green. Allow the unit to stabilize for 1 minute, and then switch on your power amplifier(s). Allow the system to stabilize for 2 minutes, and then slowly increase the output level control on the pre-amplifier to produce comfortable listening level. The unit is now ready for use. If you experience any problems, please refer to the trouble shooting section of this manual. BREAKING IN Although the VIOLA Cadenza preamplifier will deliver outstanding performance straight out of the box, you may expect to hear it continue to improve as it reaches its normal operating temperature and its various components "break-in." It has been our experience that the greatest changes occur within the first 25-50 hours. The amplifier will continue to improve in sound quality for about 300 hours from the start of use. The only exception to this rule is if the unit is switched off, allowing it to cool down. In this case, a brief warm-up period will be required before the amplifier's sound quality reaches its best. It is not necessary to repeat the initial 300-hour break-in. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 11 of 16 7th September 2005

CARE AND CLEANING Caution! ALWAYS switch the preamplifier off and disconnect it from the mains supply before attempting to clean it. NEVER apply cleaning products directly to the preamplifier as they may enter the unit and cause damage. NEVER use any of the following cleaning products as they may damage the finish: Wax polish Spirit or alcohol based cleaners Corrosive or abrasive cleaners In most cases wiping the units with a slightly damp soft cloth will give satisfactory results. Non-abrasive glass cleaners containing ammonia or vinegar, applied with a soft cloth may also be used. If you have concerns about the suitably of a cleaner, first try it out on a part of the unit that is less visible, such as the rear panel. MAINS FUSE The mains fuse is located inside the mains input receptacle on the power supply rear panel. If you suspect that the fuse has blown, follow the procedure below: Disconnect the preamplifier from the mains supply. Insert a small screwdriver into the recess in the fuse cover as shown in the diagram below and carefully lever the cover up. Insert screwdriver here to remove fuse cover 1 0 USE ONLY WITH 250V FUSES DISCONNECT POWER BEFORE REPLACING FUSES 100 120 V 230 V 240 V Figure 5. Cadenza power supply mains inlet receptacle. Check the fuse with a continuity tester and replace any blown fuses with one of the rating and type shown below. Using a fuse of the incorrect type or rating may create a safety hazard or cause damage to the unit and may also result in the warranty being voided. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 12 of 16 7th September 2005

Operating Voltage Fuse Rating Fuse Size 100V, 110V or 120V T5A 1 1 / 4 inch 220V or 240V T3A 5mm x 20mm After replacing the fuse, switch the amplifier on and check whether it operates normally. If the fuse blows again, switch the unit off immediately, disconnect it from the mains supply and get in touch with your VIOLA dealer, national distributor or VIOLA directly for technical support. Contact details for VIOLA are given in the GETTING IN TOUCH section of this manual. TROUBLE SHOOTING Most problems may be resolved by following the steps below. If these fail, please contact your VIOLA dealer, national distributor or VIOLA directly. 1. No sound and the power supply front panel LED is not lit. Check that the power switch on the power supply rear panel is set to the ON position. Check that the power lead is inserted all the way into the AC input receptacle on the power supply rear panel, the other end is plugged into the AC wall outlet and if applicable, that the wall outlet socket is switched on. Check that there is power on the AC wall outlet socket by connecting another piece of equipment that is known to work to the socket. Check the mains fuse as shown in the MAINS FUSE section of this manual. 2. No sound and the preamplifier front panel LED is not lit. If the power supply front panel LED is not lit, check the items in section 1 above. Check that the DC power cable is fully inserted into the sockets on the rear of the power supply and the Cadenza. 2. No sound and the preamplifier front panel LED is lit. Check the entire signal wiring in the system. Check that all the units feeding the Cadenza are switched on and that the signal source is playing music. Check that the input selector and any other relevant switches are set appropriately. Check that the signal source is playing. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 13 of 16 7th September 2005

Check that the Cadenza output level control and if applicable, the signal source volume control, are set at a level that is loud enough to hear. 3. The stereo image is off center. Check that the gain controls are set to the same position 4. Output is in mono. If you are using the balanced outputs, check that you have connected to one output in the upper row and one output in the lower row on the Cadenza rear panel. If both connections are made to the same row you will be listening to a mono signal. WARRANTY VIOLA Audio Labs products are warranted to be free from defects if used under normal conditions for a period of 5 years from the date of shipment from the factory. This warranty is transferable to subsequent owners. Repairs or modifications carried out by the factory, or by an authorized repair agent, shall be guaranteed for the remaining portion of the warranty, or for 1 year, which ever is greater. Any unauthorized modifications or repairs will result in the warranty becoming void. The warranty will also become void if VIOLA determines that the unit has been subject to misuse. There is no other express warranty on VIOLA products. This warranty shall not extend beyond the stated warranty period. No responsibility is assumed for incidental or consequential damage. SERVICE Customers Within the USA In the first instance please contact your local VIOLA dealer. Should they be unable to assist you, please contact VIOLA by phone on 1-203-772-0435, by fax on 1-203- 772-0569, or by email at service@violalabs.com. If it becomes necessary to return your unit to the factory, you will be given a Return Authorization (RA) number. This number must be clearly marked on the outside of the shipping box. Returns without a RA number will not be accepted. Returns received in non-standard packing will be replaced with new packing at the owner's expense. If you need new packing, please contact your VIOLA dealer or the factory. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 14 of 16 7th September 2005

For units returned to the factory under warranty during the first year, VIOLA will pay for the freight charges both ways. A VIOLA approved shipping company must be used and the units will be returned to the customer using the same carrier, or an equivalent service. For units returned to the factory under warranty during years 2 to 5, the customer is responsible for paying the shipping charges back to the factory. A VIOLA approved shipping company must be used. Providing this condition is met, VIOLA will pay the cost of shipping the units back to the customer. VIOLA will not pay freight costs if units are returned without a RA number, or if no fault is found. Customers are responsible for all freight charges for units returned for non-warranty repairs. Customers Overseas Please contact your local VIOLA dealer, or the official VIOLA distributor in your country. If they are unable to assist you, please contact VIOLA by phone on 1-203- 772-0435, by fax on 1-203-772-0569, or by email at service@violalabs.com. Should it become necessary for you to return your unit to VIOLA directly, the same conditions as apply for US customers must be observed regarding freight charges and obtaining Return Authorization numbers. CONTACTING VIOLA Should you need to contact VIOLA, please note that our office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST and that we cannot respond to telephone enquiries outside of these hours. Address 315 Peck Street New Haven, CT 06513 USA Telephone 1 203 772 0435 Fax 1 203 772 0569 Email info@violalabs.com Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 15 of 16 7th September 2005

SPECIFICATIONS Inputs: 1 x Option Card 4 x RCA unbalanced 1 x Fischer balanced 1 x XLR balanced Outputs: Input Impedance: 1 x RCA 1 x Fischer 2 x XLR 1 x RCA (Tape) 1 M Ohm Frequency Response: IMD: 20Hz to 20kHz ± 0.1dB Less than 0.005% @ 1V input THD: Less than 0.01% @ 20kHz 1v input Noise: Power Consumption: -95dB Approximately 25W Weight: Preamplifier: 20.0 lbs. (9.1kg) Power Supply: 16.0 lbs. (7.3kg) Dimensions: Preamplifier: 17.6 W x 3.6 H x 16 D 44.7cm W x 9.1cm H x 40.6cm D Power Supply: 8.8 W x 3.6 H x 16 D 22.3cm W x 9.1cm H x 40.6cm D Specifications are subject to change without notice. Viola Cadenza Manual Rev 1 Page 16 of 16 7th September 2005